Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement in response to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s apology to LGBTQ2S+ people for the persecution and injustices they suffered in Canada:

"Words cannot reverse Canada’s shameful treatment of LGBTQ2S+ people. But they can help heal the wounds left behind by the harmful laws and policies of the past. For that reason, I welcome the prime minister’s apology.

“While Canada has been making strides since the 1960s to offer LGBTQ2S+ people full and equal protection in the law, more must be done to make sure everyone is free and unafraid to be who they are.

“LGBTQ2S+ kids face higher rates of depression and suicide due to discrimination and bullying. It is our responsibility to help change these social attitudes to embrace equality and acceptance.

“We’re taking real steps to make that change. British Columbia recently adopted the new Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan to ensure the BC Public Service reflects our communities and the people we serve, including visible minorities, people with disabilities, women, Indigenous people and members of LGBTQ2S+ communities.

“I’m glad to see the commitment to equality and justice from the federal government, and recommit to the same in British Columbia.”